March celebrates National Professional Social Work Month and is an opportunity to spotlight the incredible work of the 700,000 social workers across the country. They confront some of the most challenging issues facing individuals, families, communities and society, and forge solutions that help people reach their full potential and make our nation a better place to live. ¹

The dedicated social workers at JCFS Chicago are instrumental in our mission to strengthen lives in the community and their influence can be seen throughout our family of services.

Devorah Greenfield has been working at JCFS Chicago for ten years, offering therapy for individuals, couples and families. She uses a strength-based approach to counseling and provides a safe, compassionate environment. She is interested in the mind/body connection and is open to exploring spirituality and creativity with clients as a method for change.

“I quickly embraced clinical life in an agency and am very proud of my alliance with JCFS.” Devorah shared. “I love helping my clients critically challenge their emotional blind spots and am especially gratified when clients let go of ‘being stuck’ and begin the life altering transformation towards becoming healthier flexible thinkers. Our lifelong journey of emotional wellness truly takes a village and begins with that ever important and terrifying first step.”

Marsha Raynes, Project Manager, Adoption, Infertility and Bereavement Support has pivoted during the pandemic to continue to provide support groups and events virtually.

Marsha spoke to one aspect of her role at JCFS, “While unable to meet in person during this pandemic, offering groups and other Evenings of Support on Zoom have enabled people who are grieving a death of a loved one to join together in a virtual community and connect with others who “get it”.  Many people are feeling very isolated during this pandemic and meeting via Zoom enables people to feel less alone in their grief and to support each other.  Despite the challenges of technical glitches and meeting in virtual squares, there are many benefits. Although some people are not comfortable using virtual platforms, other people who might have been unable to join a group due to distance or other limitations, are able to participate.  While traditional mourning rituals have not been available, or have been restricted during this pandemic, we have all been reimagining creative ways of providing support and community.”

¹https://www.naswnc.org/page/287